ABOUT US
The Lafayette County Leadership Council (LCLC) is a nonprofit civic organization with the mission to promote economic development, provide and assist in charitable community activities, improve quality of life in the county, and cultivate the educational improvements of all residents. The council has been sanctioned by the IRS and the State of Arkansas Secretary of State as a Non-Profit Association and operates under its own set of By-Laws with four elected positions; President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer serving 12 month terms. These are non paid, elected volunteer positions.
The mission and vision of this organization is to promote the interest, welfare, and educational excellence of our communities through our endeavors. We do this by developing and making use of the individual and collective efforts of the members to advance the welfare and interest of our residents. We demonstrate pride, commitment, integrity, and professionalism in all that we do and look forward to serving the residents of Lafayette County. We serve as a platform for improving the quality of life and education opportunities for our residents as well as helping those less fortunate. Membership is open to any resident of the County.
ABOUT US
MEET THE TEAM: Click Photo for Bio

![]() Chantell Jones - PresidentChantell Jones is a Public Health Educator at the Arkansas Department of Health and Program Director for Lewisville Events & Downtown Revitalization. As President of the Lafayette County Leadership Council and a Lewisville City Alderman, she leads initiatives in public health, community development, and youth empowerment. She is pursuing an Ed.D. in Rural & Diverse Educational Leadership at SAU, building on her master’s in Strategic Communications and a certificate in Organizational Leadership. | ![]() Venesha Sasser - Vice PresidentVenesha Sasser is a native of Lewisville, Arkansas. Committed to excellence since childhood, she graduated from Lafayette County High School in 2013. She continued her education at Ouachita Baptist University where she earned degrees and certificates in Business Administration, Management, and Marketing. Over the years, Venesha developed her leadership style to the force that it is today. Venesha is currently the Chief Development Officer at Walnut Hill Communications. | ![]() Melondy J Neal Sheppard - SecretaryMelondy Sheppard, a Lewisville, Arkansas native, is the secretary of the LCLC and a dedicated community leader. She holds degrees in psychology and strategic communications, with plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Global Leadership. She has led initiatives in Georgia and South Carolina, founding Level Seven Training Institute and organizing youth programs and community events. A published author and global speaker, Melondy inspires audiences worldwide through empowerment platforms. |
---|---|---|
![]() Christie Dunbar - TreasurerChristie, a Stamps, AR native, is a Quality Assurance Manager with Arkansas Workforce Connections. She serves as Vice President of the Lafayette County School Board and holds leadership roles in the Arkansas Democratic Black Caucus, Democratic Party of Lafayette County, OES Green Bay #227, and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. A Hope Lions Club member, she holds a bachelor's in accounting from Southern Arkansas University and is a Community Development Institute graduate. | ![]() Dr. Ethan Dunbar - Director of Community Center DevelopmentEthan Dunbar, a U.S. Army veteran with over 33 years of service, who returned to Lewisville, AR, and was elected mayor in 2018 and re-elected in 2022. He serves on the DPA Executive Committee, as 1st VP of the Lafayette County Democratic Party, and is a founding member of the LCLC. Ethan holds a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from UCA, along with degrees in Business Management and Management/Public Relations from UMUC. He is also a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and active in many local organizations. |